Home-based cruise travel adviser

Holidaymakers, couples, families and older travellers who want expert help rather than booking alone. The cruise line pays you commission.

Commission on each booking paid by the cruise line or through a host agency. Some advisers add a small planning fee for complex trips.

• Good listening and customer service
• Attention to detail with dates and paperwork
• Knowledge of cruise lines and destinations
• Patience when helping people compare options

• Customer money protection: check whether ATOL or ABTA protection or a package travel arrangement applies to what you sell
• Check the Package Travel Regulations and what they mean if you put together flights, hotels and cruises
• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance
• Commission is often paid only after the customer travels, so cash flow can be slow
• Check host agency fees, contracts and whether you need your own business registration

Startup costs are typically around £200 to £2,000, depending on the set-up you choose. Check any host agency fees and contract terms, and whether you need your own business registration, before you sign up.

Check whether ATOL or ABTA protection, or a package travel arrangement, applies to what you sell. Also check the Package Travel Regulations if you combine flights, hotels and cruises, and look into professional indemnity and public liability insurance.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £200 to £3,000, depending on how many bookings you win. Commission is often paid only after the customer travels, so cash flow can be slow. You can start with around 8 hours a week.